pick, pick, pick it up! sweater. (open front cardi in recycled yarn) **pattern**

[loudxmouse]

This pattern was made on a whim in a little over a week. It's kind of a weird sweater, but I was getting really tired of gappy button bands and baggy fronts and needed something weird to get me out of my sweater-funk, thus this sweater was born. I had the idea in my head and kind of crossed my fingers and hoped i wouldn't run out of yarn. I have about 10 yds left over, so it turned out pretty perfect.
The idea was to make a seamless sweater based on a series of picked up stitches; first on the back, and then around the neck. I am pretty pleased with it all around...(get it?!)
I want to try this whole sweater on a much bigger needle with a more drapey, flowey yarn, but until then I give you the "pick, pick, pick it up! sweater"

ingredients:
I used recycled yarn, so this may be a bit tricky. from my best estimations It was about 700 yards, worsted weight.
US 8 / 5.0 mm 24"+ circ
US 5 / 3.75 mm DPNs or 16" (or smaller) circ

gauge: 5 stitches = 1 inch in Stockinette on smaller needles, but i would just start knitting the sleeve and try it on a lot as you go. I have narrow shoulders and chubster arms, so this may not be perfect for you. this is a very try-as-you-go sweater.

SLEEVE(make 2, duh)
cast on 42 st onto smaller DPNS or 12-16” circ.
row 1: k
row 2: p
row 3: k
row 4: p
k 30 rows
on 30th row do the following inc row: make one on either side of the PM like this: m1, k1, slip marker, k1, m1
knit 10 rows
on tenth row repeat inc row
increase until sleeve is desired length.
for me that was to my elbow, aka ending with 50 st.

stop knitting in the round and work in stockinette stitch until it fits on your arm and stretches to the exact middle of your back
for me that was 10” from armpit
place stitches on holder and make second sleeve

graft the sleeves together using kitchener stitch

BACK
start picking up stitches using size 8 needles 15 stitches beyond where you split the sleeve, across sleeve split, across back and another 15 stitches beyond other armpit split–aprox 110st
knit for as long as you would like.
for me that was 21”
knit 8 rows in garter stitch and bind off loosely

NECK
pick up 178 stitches all the way around the front and neck.
knit in garter stitch for 8 rows and bind off loosely.

weave in ends and block
tada!



rav. link

[Super-Ted_Cullen!]

Wow, thanks for the pattern! It looks really, really nice.

[loudxmouse]

thanks! I am gunna edit the original post with the rav. link. There are some in-process pictures there too.

[randomname]

Your cardi turrned out very nice.
I like the idea of leaving the front open, never thought of that. Now I'll have to find the time to make one like it. Don't know when that'll be though 

[munchkinarooo]

If i have enough time (and patience) I might make one of these myself
it looks pretty comfy
do you think it would work well with a looser stitch that could be more appropriate for the summertime or would it just look way too weird??

[loudxmouse]

munhkin--I think it would be great with a lighter yarn and bigger stitch. all in all the sweater knit up in no time with no fidgety buttons or sewing.
make one and show me how it turns out!

[faded_dress]

Wow that is so cute! I love it.

[loudxmouse]

thank, faded